Adjustable Weighted Exercise Method and Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an adjustable weighted exercise apparatus which in one implementation may include a base frame assembly attachable to a strap assembly for connection to a user, the base frame assembly including a base frame; a weight support member connected to the base frame and disposed to maintain a weight at a distance from the user. In some implementations, the weight support member may be further connected to at least one support bar connected to the base frame. A method hereof may include enhancing exercise of a body including disposing a weight at a distance from a user&#39;s body; and, exercising the user&#39;s body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/168,473, entitled“Adjustable Weighted Back Pack for Therapeutic or Performance BasedExercise,” filed Apr. 10, 2009, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by this reference for all that it teaches and discloses.

BACKGROUND

Weighted vests have been introduced for increasing a load duringtherapeutic or performance based exercise. Added weight during anexercise program increases a user's heart rate and places greater demandon a user's muscles and bones. The benefits of these apparatuses includeincreased cardio function, improved body mass index, increased strength,and improved bone density. Weighted vests allow the user to completefunctional tasks such as walking and balancing with increased weight,thereby strengthening the user and allowing the user to perform thesetasks with more ease under non-weighted conditions.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is an adjustable weighted exercise apparatus which in oneimplementation may include a base frame assembly attachable to a strapassembly for connection to a user, the base frame assembly including abase frame; a weight support member connected to the base frame anddisposed to maintain a weight at a distance from the user. In someimplementations, the weight support member may be further connected toat least one support bar connected to the base frame. A method hereofmay include enhancing exercise of a body including disposing a weight ata distance from a user's body; and, exercising the user's body.

The foregoing specific aspects and advantages of the presentdevelopments are illustrative of those which can be achieved by thesedevelopments and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of thepossible advantages which can be realized. Thus, those and other aspectsand advantages of these developments will be apparent from thedescription herein or can be learned from practicing the disclosurehereof, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variationswhich may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, in addition tothe exemplary aspects and implementations described above, furtheraspects and implementations will become apparent by reference to and bystudy of the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of an entire exercise assembly hereofincluding a frame, a backpack assembly, and a rotatable weightsupporting member;

FIG. 2, which includes sub-part FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, provides sideelevational views of an implementation hereof in use;

FIG. 3 provides an isometric view of the frame including a rotatableweight support member and a rotatable bar support sub-assembly of animplementation hereof;

FIG. 4 provides a side elevational view of the frame including therotatable weight support member and the rotatable bar supportsub-assembly;

FIG. 5 provides a rear elevational view of the frame including therotatable weight support member, and the rotatable bar supportsub-assembly;

FIG. 6 provides an isometric view of a frame including a rotatableweight support member and a rotatable bar support sub-assembly in acollapsed position;

FIG. 7, which includes sub-part FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, provides sideelevational views of an implementation hereof;

FIG. 8, which includes sub-part FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, provides sideelevational views of an alternative implementation hereof;

FIG. 9, which includes sub-part FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, provides sideelevational views of another alternative implementation hereof;

FIG. 10 provides a side elevational view of another alternativeimplementation hereof;

FIG. 11 provides a side elevational view of another alternativeimplementation hereof; and,

FIG. 12 provides a method according hereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable weighted backpack methodand apparatus typically configured to provide a weight disposed at adistance from the user's body; the weight in some implementationsproviding a directed pressure on the mid body creating increased coremuscle recruitment when used for therapeutic or performance basedexercise.

There is currently a trend in both rehabilitation and performance basedexercise to strengthen the core musculature including the abdominals andgluteals. Conventional weighted vests provide weight distribution on allsides of a user's core area or trunk such that the user experiencesjoint compression similar to a person who has gained weight. Contrarily,a weighted pack with an unequal distribution of weight between theposterior and the anterior of the body can cause a shift in the centerof gravity of the person thereby creating a muscular reaction tomaintain balance in static standing exercises and in dynamic functionalactivities. An adjustable weighted backpack with a weight force disposedaway from the body allows the user to focus on the core musculature orother desired muscle groups while completing exercise regimens. When theweight of the backpack is positioned at a distance from the posterior ofthe user, the abdominals and other core and other muscles must work tomaintain balance. The muscular demand increases with other changes suchas positioning of the body, for example bent slightly forward orbackward at the hips, or with changes of the walking surface e.g.,uphill or downhill.

The developments hereof relate to an adjustable weighted backpackapparatus typically configured to provide a weight disposed at or wornat a distance away from the user's body. This may provide a directedpressure on the body creating increased muscle recruitment when used fortherapeutic or performance based exercise. The present developmentallows the wearer of the apparatus to wear the weight disposed at adistance away from the body to cause the muscles to have pressureapplied at different angles thus causing contractions of the core andother muscles of the body to maintain balance. Additionally, wearing theapparatus simultaneously increases the weight bearing capacity of themuscles involved in any of the exercises performed.

As generally shown in FIG. 1, an implementation of a adjustably weightedexercise apparatus 10, as such may typically be used in therapeuticand/or performance based exercise, may have a frame sub-assembly 12connectable or connected, as shown here, to a backpack sub-assembly 14.The frame sub-assembly 12 may have a weight support member 16 which ismounted on the frame 15. In this implementation the weight supportmember is rotatable and ins connected to the frame member 15 by a hinge18 (shown better in FIG. 4). The backpack sub-assembly 14 may have ashoulder harness 20 and a lumbar support harness 22 attached to a bodyportion 21 which allows the user to securely attach the entireadjustable weighted backpack assembly 10 to the user's body (note, itmay be in some implementations that one or more straps are attacheddirectly to the frame 15).

As shown in FIG. 2, a user 11 may have an apparatus 10 attached for use.The Apparatus 10 maintains the weight 42 at a distance D from the user.In one simplified form, a method hereof, see method 80 of FIG. 12, mayinclude disposing the weight on a user with a distance set thereby, peroperation 82, and then exercising the user, per operation 84. A backpackis adjustable to fit snuggly upon the hips at the anterior superiorilium. The shoulder harness may be adjustable to the height of the userto accommodate the length of the trunk of the individual. The userselects the desired weight to attach to the rotatable weight supportmember. The user can position and secure the rotatable weight supportmember to the desired angle which moves and maintains the weight adesired distance from the body to increase or decrease the change in thecenter of gravity which stresses the body muscles in different ways. Theuser wears the backpack for exercise programs including a treadmill,walking, hiking, stair climber, elliptical, aerobic conditioning classor other suitable exercise regime.

In the depiction of the of the frame sub-assembly in FIG. 3, a rotatableweight support member 16 is shown disposed on the rotatable weightsupport member 16 by top hinge 18, which is fastened to the frameelement 15 of sub-assembly 12. It may be noted that this rotatableconnection is at or near the top of frame 15; however, it could be atthe bottom (see e.g., FIG. 8 described further below), or at anotherlocation. The rotatable weight support member 16 may be rotated on therotatable weight support member top hinge 18 to different positions (notshown in FIG. 3, but see FIGS. 4, 6 and 7). The rotatable weight supportmember hereby allows the weight to be positioned at different distancesand/or angles from the body. As shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b alternativeangles and thus distances may be provided, one alternative in FIG. 7 band two in 7 a (support arms are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7 a). Theweight attaching members 24, 26, 28 and 30 are disposed of on therotatable weight support member 16. The weight attaching members 24, 26,28, and 30 allow for the loading of weight. Weighted plates 42 are slidin to place on the weight attaching members 24, 26, 28, and 30.Increased weight or increased distance from the back creates increasedmuscular demand. The weights may be variable in size as for example inincrements of 5 pounds, 5, 10, 15, or otherwise.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, a rotatable weight supportmember 16 can be supported by a bar support sub-assembly 32 which inthis version is a rotatable sub-assembly. This sub-assembly includes asupport hinge 34 and a first support bar 36 and a second support bar 38(support bar 38 is not shown in FIG. 4, but see FIG. 5). In this thesupport bar may be U-shaped or the support bar may be two discreteindividual bars 36 and 39, see FIG. 5, that are inserted into theelongated slots (The bottom of the U-shape may be fixed or attached tothe frame 15 or upside down and in the weight supporting member 16). Thesupport bars 36 and 39 can be positioned to hold the rotatable weightsupport member 16 at different distances and at different angles fromthe user's body. The support bar 36 has one end disposed at the supporthinge 34 and other end of the support bar is disposed of in theelongated slot 38. (In an alternative embodiment, not shown, only onesupport bar is connected to only one hinge at the base of the frame,with the other end disposed in the elongated slot.) In an implementationhereof according to FIG. 4, the elongated slot 38 may possess one ormore or a series of notches 40. The notches 40 allow the rotatableweight support member 16 to be positioned and secured at a determineddistance and angle from the frame 15. The support bar 36 may also createor provide a transfer of force of the positioned weight to the user'sbody at a desirable body location so that the user's muscles mustcounter the force in order to maintain balance.

FIG. 5 shows both support bars 36 and 39. In this both bars are in anextended position such as that shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, and areholding the rotatable support member 16 off of the frame 15.Additionally, FIG. 5 shows support hinge 35 that is located on theopposite side of base frame assembly 12 from support hinge 34 which wasshown and described relative to FIG. 4.

In FIG. 6, the frame sub-assembly 12 is shown with the support bar 36 ina retracted position and the rotatable support bar-assembly 32 collapsedin toward and adjacent the frame sub-assembly 12. In this position thedistance D from FIG. 2 has been greatly reduced, and although stilluseful, is less so than a further extended position of the weight 42away from the frame 15.

As introduced above, a variety of alternative structures may implementthe apparatuses hereof. Structures described herein may come indifferent forms. Thus the frame sub-assembly may be constructeddifferently or be adapted differently to the overall weighted backpackassembly. Moreover, though structures have been shown and described insome detail herein, the scope and content hereof is not so limited, andinstead may include alternative structures. Still furthermore, theconnection mechanisms hereof are illustrative only as well, and notlimitative of the scope and content hereof. Other connection mechanismsmay be used to the same or substantially the same effect and thus becovered hereby.

As introduced above, a variety of alternative structures may implementthe apparatuses hereof. As shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, in analternative, the weight support member 16 can be rotatable from thebottom of frame 15 and can thus move away from the user's body from theshoulders rather than the waist. As such it may be or may appear thatthe whole assembly is upside down, e.g., frame 15 up-turned and hinge 18at the bottom. Note, it may be that there is no actual hinge, but ratherfor example a leaved fold out member not unlike that found in expandiblebrief cases. Note, also, that the members disposing the weight at adistance from the body may be static and not expandable or collapsible.Such an incarnation is shown in FIG. 9, which has the weight 42 disposedat a distance from the frame 15. One or more bars may be used for this,as for example the shown, extension bar 16 a which may be used alone orwith another member or bar 16 b, which also may be used alone or withbar 16 a. In the implementation of FIG. 9, it may be that there is novariability, as for example in FIG. 9 a, fixed weight, fixed distanceand the like; however, it also may just be the amount of weight isvariable, as for example shown by the dashed line weights 42 a in FIG. 9b. This version has been found interesting with the weight 12 inchesfrom the body (see the table, Table 1, below

Additional weight attaching members could be disposed on the rotatableweight support member. The weights could slide into packs that areattached to the rotatable weight support member instead of sliding on toweight attaching members.). The weights could slide into packs that areattached to a rotatable member or a static posterior positioned bar. Theweight alternative could be in the form of weighted tubes or flat memberthat slide in to sleeves or pockets (see pockets 30 a in FIG. 10;pockets 30 a could be round or flat depending upon the weights to beused) fitted for the tubes or flats as opposed to weight plates that fiton the weight attaching members. Additionally, an additional apparatuscould hold the entire rotatable weight support member which could beenclosed to use for storage of other items. The weights could bechambers to be filled by the user with sand or water. Additionally, theentire rotatable weight support member could be enclosed for use of awater dispensing apparatus by the user.

Apparatuses hereof may be made by any of a variety of materials. In manyinstances, a polymer may be the most likely material for the framesub-assembly. The backpack sub-assembly may be made from cloth and foamand may have reinforced stitching. The backpack sub-assembly may also bemade from canvas, nylon, or leather. Metal or other suitably hardmaterial may form the weight supporting members, hinges, and weightsupporting members. Shapes and sizes are not limited to those shown anddescribed here either, as sizes and shapes may be selected to adapt toany of many alternative structures.

The assembly for attaching to a user may be a backpack (typicallywithout pockets, though could be weight bearing pouches as shown in FIG.10) as shown in FIG. 1, or the assembly may be such as to otherwisestrap or connect to a user's body. One or more straps 20 may be used; asingle strap such as a bike messenger bag strap; or strap wrapped aroundthe torso; or, two or more straps, as in two shoulder straps, and/or anabdominal belt or like connection device 22. These may be connected to aback pack body portion 21 as in FIG. 1, or may be more directlyconnected to the frame 15 as shown or indicated by FIG. 11.

Example Methods

In this study, the weighted backpack was tested at multiple weights inseveral movement conditions. The heavy pack (35 lbs), light pack (17lbs), control weighted pack (17 lbs), and unweighted control were wornduring normal walking, incline walking, upstairs walking, and downstairswalking. Subjects were instructed to maintain a self-moderated steadywalking pace in an upright position for all trials. The electricalactivity, EMG, data was collected on the tibialis anterior, vastuslateralis, gluteus medius, external obliques, and rectus abdominus. EMGwas measured by pre-amplified Ag/AgCl surface electrodes (Noraxon,Scottsdale, Ariz.) with a wireless transmitter (Noraxon, Scottsdale,Ariz.) and collected on a Dell notebook PC via a data acquisition card(DAQ-card) and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (Noraxon,Scottsdale, Ariz.). During each testing condition, all muscles wererecorded simultaneously. Each electrode was 3.8 cm in diameter, with aninter-electrode spacing of 20 mm. Amplification of each EMG signal wasset to maximum resolution to eliminate as much artifacts as possible.EMG channels were sampled at 2000 Hz. For each trial, subjects wererecorded for three successive complete gait cycles, and EMG amplitudedata was calculated over time period. The raw EMG was filtered,rectified, and smoothed using the RMS algorithm and a 100 ms window.Specifically, EMG signals were filtered with a 10 Hz Butterworthhigh-pass filter to remove electrode artifacts, rectified and smoothedbased on the root-mean-square calculation with Myoresearch XP software.Peak and average EMG amplitudes were exported and compared to thecontrol values in Excel to report a percent change (% change) relativeto the control.

Results: see Table 1, below:

TABLE 1 A B C D E F G H I J K 1 Weighting Movement Muscle Birgit TrevorJules Averages Condition Condition 2 Peak Average Peak Average PeakAverage Peak Average EMG EMG EMG EMG EMG EMG (uV) (uV) (uV) (uV) (uV)(uV) 3 Control Flat Tibialis 153 41.7 194 85.8 173.5 63.75 WalkingAnterior 4 Vastus 36 16 47.5 12.5 41.75 14.25 Lateralis 5 Gluteus 53.613.9 22.4 6.52 38 10.21 Medius 6 Extenal 14.7 8.01 18.6 10.2 16.65 9.105Obliques 7 Rectus 10.7 5.65 19.4 8.29 15.05 6.97 Abdominus 8 ControlIncline Tibialis 148 49.5 179 94.4 163.5 71.95 Walking Anterior 9 Vastus74 19.1 79.9 19.7 76.95 19.4 Lateralis 10 Gluteus 94 18.3 19.3 7.1456.65 12.72 Medius 11 Extenal 19.5 9.39 19.9 9 19.7 9.195 Obliques 12Rectus 13.7 6.09 19.8 7.12 16.75 6.605 Abdominus 13 Control UpstairsTibialis 146 51.2 369 129 257.5 90.1 Walking Anterior 14 Vastus 198 50.7276 70.6 237 60.65 Lateralis 15 Gluteus 119 32.3 87.8 26.2 103.4 29.25Medius 16 Extenal 18.2 10 19.5 11.6 18.85 10.8 Obliques 17 Rectus 18.37.55 20.5 8.94 19.4 8.245 Abdominus 18 Control Downstairs Tibialis 13034.5 235 75.4 182.5 54.95 Walking Anterior 19 Vastus 124 35.1 109 44116.5 39.55 Lateralis 20 Gluteus 39.9 13.7 25.1 7.86 32.5 10.78 Medius21 Extenal 20.1 9.16 18.6 9.95 19.35 9.555 Obliques 22 Rectus 11.8 5.8821.5 8.35 16.65 7.115 Abdominus 23 Normal Flat Tibialis 113 42.4 18680.5 149.5 61.45 Backpack Walking Anterior 24 Vastus 51.5 16.3 48 13.449.75 14.85 Lateralis 25 Gluteus 61.9 16.1 20.5 6.93 41.2 11.515 Medius26 Extenal 19.9 11.2 17.1 9.92 18.5 10.56 Obliques 27 Rectus 15.2 6.9220.7 8.1 17.95 7.51 Abdominus 28 Normal Incline Tibialis 172 44.9 19679.9 184 62.4 Backpack Walking Anterior 29 Vastus 53.5 19.3 123 21.688.25 20.45 Lateralis 30 Gluteus 112 26.1 29.4 7.86 70.7 16.98 Medius 31Extenal 21.3 10.4 19 10 20.15 10.2 Obliques 32 Rectus 13.7 6.83 18.97.23 16.3 7.03 Abdominus 33 Normal Upstairs Tibialis 150 45.4 292 112221 78.7 Backpack Walking Anterior 34 Vastus 204 56 233 65.7 218.5 60.85Lateralis 35 Gluteus 99.2 36.4 87.7 19.6 93.45 28 Medius 36 Extenal 21.411.1 19.1 11.2 20.25 11.15 Obliques 37 Rectus 14.5 7.63 19.9 9.06 17.28.345 Abdominus 38 Normal Downstairs Tibialis 141 20.6 191 44.9 16632.75 Backpack Walking Anterior 39 Vastus 77.7 34 150 52 113.85 43Lateralis 40 Gluteus 46.4 14.9 65.4 9.5 55.9 12.2 Medius 41 Extenal 30.912.4 20.1 8.97 25.5 10.685 Obliques 42 Rectus 15.5 7.38 20.1 8.15 17.87.765 Abdominus 43 Light Flat Tibialis 148 55.5 201 94.1 174.5 74.8 PackWalking Anterior 44 Vastus 131 43.7 62.4 13.8 96.7 28.75 Lateralis 45Gluteus 75.6 18.1 40.8 10.3 58.2 14.2 Medius 46 Extenal 32.1 18.5 19.111.5 25.6 15 Obliques 47 Rectus 16 7.43 23.9 9.62 19.95 8.525 Abdominus48 Light Incline Tibialis 90 34.9 254 100 172 67.45 Pack WalkingAnterior 49 Vastus 614 67.4 113 23.9 363.5 45.65 Lateralis 50 Gluteus91.3 24.4 35.3 9.85 63.3 17.125 Medius 51 Extenal 25.1 12 18.7 9.95 21.910.975 Obliques 52 Rectus 18.6 7.71 20.2 8.39 19.4 8.05 Abdominus 53Light Upstairs Tibialis 134 51 319 126 226.5 88.5 Pack Walking Anterior54 Vastus 819 108 248 65.4 533.5 86.7 Lateralis 55 Gluteus 114 37.1 74.518.3 94.25 27.7 Medius 56 Extenal 26.5 11.9 18.7 11 22.6 11.45 Obliques57 Rectus 16.8 8.05 18.8 9.38 17.8 8.715 Abdominus 58 Light DownstairsTibialis 211 38.1 169 58.9 190 48.5 Pack Walking Anterior 59 Vastus 14649.4 155 60.7 150.5 55.05 Lateralis 60 Gluteus 49.7 17.8 34.1 10.9 41.914.35 Medius 61 Extenal 52.4 20.9 23.6 9.99 38 15.445 Obliques 62 Rectus26.8 10.8 20.5 9.97 23.65 10.385 Abdominus 63 Heavy Flat Tibialis 173 57223 78.6 198 67.8 Pack Walking Anterior 64 Vastus 330 57 69.5 15.4199.75 36.2 Lateralis 65 Gluteus 97.9 25.5 20.1 5.83 59 15.665 Medius 66Extenal 96 54.3 33.7 17.7 64.85 36 Obliques 67 Rectus 28.1 14.8 33.514.9 30.8 14.85 Abdominus 68 Heavy Incline Tibialis 132 34 216 93 17463.5 Pack Walking Anterior 69 Vastus 279 53.4 164 29.5 221.5 41.45Lateralis 70 Gluteus 110 25.9 38.1 9.35 74.05 17.625 Medius 71 Extenal84.9 41.6 27.6 13.5 56.25 27.55 Obliques 72 Rectus 19.7 13.2 25.9 12.322.8 12.75 Abdominus 73 Heavy Upstairs Tibialis 162 52.9 333 131 247.591.95 Pack Walking Anterior 74 Vastus 243 76.9 374 77.8 308.5 77.35Lateralis 75 Gluteus 123 33.7 101 22.1 112 27.9 Medius 76 Extenal 11144.6 33.1 14.6 72.05 29.6 Obliques 77 Rectus 29.8 17.9 38.5 13.9 34.1515.9 Abdominus 78 Heavy Downstairs Tibialis 130 34.2 167 55.4 148.5 44.8Pack Walking Anterior 79 Vastus 199 62.7 176 53.1 187.5 57.9 Lateralis80 Gluteus 60.1 16.1 28.8 9.57 44.45 12.835 Medius 81 Extenal 105 60.129.8 15.1 67.4 37.6 Obliques 82 Rectus 44.6 21.2 36.5 15.1 40.55 18.15Abdominus 83Overall, wearers of the backpack had higher EMG values compared to thecontrol conditions. These differences were the greatest under thegreatest load. For example, even during flat walking, subjects hadaround 240% greater peak EMG and 233% average EMG activation in theexternal obliques and 182% greater peak EMG and 142% greater average EMGon the rectus abdominus in the heavy pack condition compared to thecontrol condition.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof. It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims and claims hereafterintroduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their truespirit and scope.

1. An adjustably weighted exercise apparatus which includes: a baseframe assembly attachable to a strap assembly for connection to a user,the base frame assembly including a base frame; a weight support memberconnected to the base frame and disposed to maintain a weight at adistance from the user.
 2. An adjustably weighted exercise apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the strap assembly is a backpack assembly.3. An adjustably weighted exercise apparatus according to claim 1wherein the weight support member is disposed in a fixed positionrelative to the base frame.
 4. An adjustably weighted exercise apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the weight support member is attached tothe base frame at one or both of the top and the bottom of the baseframe.
 5. An adjustably weighted exercise apparatus according to claim 1wherein the weight support member is a rotatable weight support memberrotatably connected to the base frame.
 6. An adjustably weightedexercise apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising: at least onehinge connecting the weight support member to the base frame.
 7. Anadjustably weighted exercise apparatus according to claim 1 whichfurther includes: at least one support bar connected to the base frameand connectable to the weight support member to support the weightsupport member.
 8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 7 whereinthe at least one support bar is rotatably connected to the base frame.9. An exercise apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising: atleast one hinge connecting the at least one rotatable support bar to thebase frame.
 10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 7 wherein theweight support member is a rotatable weight support member.
 11. Anexercise apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the rotatable weightsupport member includes at least one location to which the at least onesupport bar can attach.
 12. An exercise apparatus according to claim 10wherein said rotatable weight support member includes at least oneelongated slot which contains at least one notch that allows the atleast one rotatable support bar to be positioned at an angulardisposition relative to the base frame.
 13. An exercise apparatusaccording to claim 12 wherein the at least one notch secures therotatable support bar in a desired position
 14. An exercise apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said weight support member includes atleast one weight attaching member.
 15. An exercise apparatus accordingto claim 14 wherein the at least one weight attaching member is arearwardly projecting cylinder of standardized size to hold at least onestandardized size weight plate.
 16. An exercise apparatus according toclaim 15 wherein the at least one weight attaching member allows theweighted member to be secured in place.
 17. An exercise apparatusaccording to claim 14 wherein the at least one weight attaching membercomprises at least one storage compartment that is receivable of atleast one standard size weight, wherein said at least one storagecompartment comprises a front wall, and a back wall.
 18. An adjustableweighted backpack comprising: a base frame, the base frame including: arotatable weight support member connected to the base frame; at leastone rotatable support bar connected to the base frame and connected tothe rotatable weight support member; a backpack assembly to which thebase frame is connectable, the backpack assembly including: a bodyportion to which the base frame is connectable; and, at least one strapconnected to the body portion for securing the backpack assembly to auser's torso.
 19. An adjustable weighted backpack according to claim 18further comprising: at least one hinge connecting the weight supportmember to the base frame; at least one hinge connecting the at least onerotatable support bar to the base frame. 20.-38. (canceled)
 39. A methodof exercising a human body comprising: attaching a backpack assembly,adjusting weight so that it is applied at angle toward the posterior ofthe torso, whereby the force applied to the posterior causes musclecontractions in the muscles of the body.